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Lac Sorcier walks
Pointes des Cerces from Laval
Visorando Member
12.27 mi
+4,137 ft
-4,147 ft
8 hrs
Extremely difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A magnificent circular route ascending to the Pointe des Cerces via the wild valley of Lac Sorcier, then exploring the Cerces lakes and those of the Col des Rochilles, before finishing at the headwaters of the Clarée and its upper valley. A very rocky start to the hike is followed by a peaceful return through the greenery lining the river.
⚠️ This very challenging route requires a good command of walking on scree or steep snowfields as well as along ridges, and crampons and an ice axe are essential even in the complete absence of snow.
Walks near Lac Sorcier
Lac de la Ponsonnière – Refuge des Drayères
5.88 mi
+640 ft
-1,909 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Le Monêtier-les-Bains (Hautes-Alpes)
This second, slightly easier stage takes us past four magnificent lakes: Lac des Cerces, Lac du Grand Ban, Lac Rond and Lac de la Clarée
Lac des Cerces - Lacs de la Madeleine via Pointe des Cerces
7.84 mi
+3,963 ft
-3,261 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Valloire (Savoie)
Day 2 in the Clarée Valley: ascent of Pointe des Cerces (unmarked mountain route), passage to Lac and Source de la Clarée and climb to the second bivouac at Lacs de la Madeleine (off-trail on the final section).
As with the other parts of this circular, this route is intended for experienced hikers who are accustomed to high mountains.
Refuge des Drayères – Pont de l’Alpe
9.08 mi
+2,014 ft
-3,563 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
3rd and final stage. Starting from the Refuge des Drayères, head up to the source of the Clarée and return to Pont de l’Alpe via the Col de la Ponsonnière. A tour of the Massif des Cerces taking in numerous lakes, each more beautiful than the last: in turn, the Clarée, Rond, Grand Ban, Cerces, Ponsonnière and, finally, the Grand Lac.
Refuge des Drayeres – Valmeinier 1,800
10.62 mi
+2,500 ft
-3,848 ft
7h 05
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
The final stage of this route runs from the Refuge des Drayeres in the Clarée Valley to the resort of Valmeinier. You will pass the Deuil des Rochilles before emerging onto three magnificent high-altitude lakes: Lac de la Clarée, Lac Rond and Lac du Grand Ban. Next comes the ascent of the Col des Plagnettes, followed by the descent with the rocky ridge of the Grande Paré to your left and the Aiguille Noire to your right, then the ascent of the Pas des Griffes, before descending back to Valmeinier, the end point of this 5-day route.
The Chemin de Ronde between Laval and Biaune
7.22 mi
+1,680 ft
-2,484 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Supported by theGRP® Tour du Mont Thabor, this trail overlooks the upper Clarée Valley and offers magnificent views of this famous valley throughout the route.
Laval Refuge – Lac Blanc
5.65 mi
+3,192 ft
-1,243 ft
5h 25
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
The first day offers the chance to explore the lakes of the Haute Clarée and camp at the foot of the Thabor amidst spectacular scenery.
Laval car park - Lac des Cerces
7.23 mi
+3,537 ft
-2,254 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
First day of a 4-day circular starting from the Laval car park in the Upper Clarée Valley. As with the other parts of this circular, this route is intended for experienced hikers who are accustomed to high mountains.
Chalet de Laval - Alpe du Lauzet
8.12 mi
+2,785 ft
-3,793 ft
6h 10
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
A traverse of the Cerces massif via one of its highest passes (Béraudes) and some very beautiful lakes.And a chance to see much of the previous day’s descent route, as well as the many lakes on the other side.In early summer, the route can be made difficult by the presence of snow in the Lac des Béraudes cirque or a snow cornice on the Col des Béraudes (speaking from experience).
Lacs de la Madeleine - Lac Lavoir via Mont Thabor
6.38 mi
+2,283 ft
-3,448 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
Third day of the circular with ascent of Mont Thabor (highest point of the route) via the oldGR® trail along the Roche du Chardonnet ridge and the Valmeinier Glacier, which presents certain difficulties compared to the newGR® route.
As with the other days of the circular, this route is intended for very experienced hikers who are accustomed to high mountains.
Refuge du Chardonnet - Arsine
11.94 mi
+2,608 ft
-4,436 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from Névache (Hautes-Alpes)
This third stage of the crossing of France, following the 45th parallel as closely as possible, is long and difficult but absolutely magnificent. You will discover or rediscover the two jewels that are the Écrins and Meije massifs. Most of the route is on the GR® 50 and GR® 57. The paths are well marked and well maintained.
This stage can be divided into four sections: 1) an ascent to the Col du Chardonnet; 2) the descent to Lauzet; 3) the ascent to the Col du Lautaret; 4) the descent to Arsine.